A Word from Father Mullin
This weekend's Gospel offers an amazing account of Peter encountering Jesus walking on the water in the midst of a stormy sea. For Peter, what begins as a walk of courageous faith ends in a fearful, desperate cry for rescue. While Peter learns the hard way what it really takes to follow Jesus, the other disciples discover that Jesus truly is the Son of God!
May our own encounters with God in prayer and in the Sacraments strengthen our faith and empower us to live each day as courageous disciples of the Lord Jesus!
And may the Holy Spirit continue to lead us in sustaining a holy and faithful parish community at Saint Elizabeth, for unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.
Father Tom Mullin
Solemnity of the Assumption Holy Day
This Tuesday, August 15, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast is a holy day of obligation for all Catholic believers. Masses will be celebrated in church at 7:30 AM, at 12:00 Noon, and at 7:00 PM. Note: all parish offices will be closed for the holy day.
Legion of Mary
Rosary on the Green: Please join the Legion of Mary this Sunday, August 13, at 6:00 PM for another rosary on the green and public witness to the message of Fatima on the 100th Anniversary of the fourth apparition. This devotion will continue on the 13th of each month until October.
2017 Mission Cooperation Appeal
Thank you to all who have contributed to this year's Mission Cooperation collection in support of the Society of African Missions. A total of $5,239.26 has been donated to date. Additional contributions may be dropped into the regular collection basket at Mass or sent directly to the parish office anytime during the week. May God continue to bless our missionary preacher, Father Francis Patrikson, all the SMA missionaries and the many people they serve.
Weekend Parish Receptionist Position
The parish is looking for a weekend receptionist to work one or two Sundays a month from 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM. This is a part-time paid position for an adult at least 18 years of age with sound interpersonal skills. Please call Sam Venuti at 610-321-1200 or email
Mass Intentions for the Week
August 12-13: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- George Ciarlone
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Richard Kowalski
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Shannon (4th Ann)
Monday, 7:30 AM- Edward Pilcicki
Tuesday- Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
7:30 AM- Peter Shields
12:00 Noon- William Hoffmann (1st Ann)
7:00 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Wednesday, 7:30AM- Anna Mc Devitt
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Marshall & Ann Robison
Friday, 7:30 AM- Lura Walters
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Lynn Cugini
August 19-20: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Robert Walters (3rd Ann)
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Carolanne Morganthaler (13th Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Diane Kovaleski
Readings: Isaiah 56/1, 6-7; Psalm 67; Romans 11/13–15, 29-32; Matthew 15/21-28
Liturgical Notes
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Now through August 28, Exposition is normally held in chapel on Mondays after the 7:30 AM Mass and concludes at 4:30 PM. Please note that there is no Exposition on Labor Day, September 4.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Now through Sunday, August 27, CLOW will be conducted for both age groups (pre-K & K and grades 1-4) during the 9:30 AM Mass only (not at the 11:30 AM Mass). Please note that there is no CLOW on Sunday, September 3, and both sessions will resume on September 10.
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including Mitchell Batt; Jessica Bonkoski; Patrick Cerullo; Allison Glitz Hamer; Robert Mason; Conrad Olenik; Anna Santoloquito and Karen Smith.
We also remember those who have died including Edward Linkiewicz, father of Michael Linkiewicz. May God grant all our departed loved ones eternal rest!
2018 Mass Intention Book
Personal intentions may now be arranged for Masses to be celebrated at Saint Elizabeth throughout 2018. One Mass each Sunday and holy day is reserved for the people of the parish. Unannounced intentions may be arranged at the parish office for Masses celebrated by retired priests.
To make arrangements for personal intentions, please stop in the parish ministry center during regular office hours (8:00 AM-4:00 PM weekdays; 8:45 AM-12:45 PM Sundays). A free-will offering is requested when making arrangements. Deceased parishioners and benefactors of Saint Elizabeth are remembered at all parish Masses throughout the year.
Welcome New Parishioners
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes the following individuals, couples and families who registered during July: Emily Brady; Kathleen Brady; Peter & Marbel Burke; Jeffrey & Carolyn Mc Laughlin; Elizabeth O’Reilley; Rolando Perez & Sopia Barroso; Nathaniel & Heather Stottlemyer. Welcome one & all!
Baptism News
The next sessions of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, September 9 and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, October 14, both at 10:30 AM in the ministry center.
Godparent eligibility forms are available at the parish ministry center during regular office hours. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
2017-2018 School Year: Have you been considering enrolling your child in our parish school? For more info and application materials, contact Liz Oulton (
Safe Environment
All adults who volunteer in any activity where children are present are required to have on file at the parish services office all PA state requirements and all requirements from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the protection of youth before any service can begin.
For specific information regarding requirements, go to www.stelizabethparish.org, use the drop down “Get Involved” and then click on “Volunteers-Safe Environment Requirements.” The Protecting God’s Children class will be offered at Saint Elizabeth on September 28, November 9, December 7 and March 15. To register for class, go to www.virtusonline.org.
Elementary Faith Formation
New for 2017-2018! "Encounter" - Mark Hart’s Bible Study for 7th & 8th Graders. Through fun & engaging video and discussion sessions, participants experience God as a loving Father with a great plan for them. Join us in the education center library on Mondays, October 2–November 20, 6:30-7:45 PM. Register online at the parish website: www.stelizabethparish.org. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan (610-646-6545 or
Share the Good News: Over 500 parish children need volunteers to share with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can help them by becoming a catechist, an assistant or helper for Elementary Faith Formation. With five sessions offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can select a time that fits your schedule. As you nurture the faith of our young people, you will learn and grow as well! We provide training, materials and support. Classes begin on September 11-12-13. For more information, contact Beth Riordan in the faith formation office.
EFF Registration: Now is the time to register for the coming EFF year. Forms are available at www. stelizabethparish.org under "Education, Elementary Faith Formation." If you are new to the parish or have children that will be new to the EFF program, please contact Beth Riordan.
Adult Faith Formation
Fall Bible Study: See the insert in today’s parish bulletin for registration information for the upcoming study of St. Paul’s Letters from Prison. Questions may be directed to Beth Riordan (610-646-6545 or
Movie Night Under the Stars: Get your Golden Ticket to the movies at St. Elizabeth! Join us for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder on Friday, August 25. Movie time is 8:15 PM, but come at 7:30 with your chairs and blankets to get your seats and refreshments. All are welcome! Questions may be directed to Beth Riordan (610-646-6545).
RCIA Inquiry
Do you know someone who is searching for life’s meaning, for community? Or someone who has asked about the Catholic faith? Invite them to connect with fellow seekers on Monday evenings in August at 7:00 PM in the St. Matthew conference room. All are welcome! For info, call 610-646-6545.
Social Fellowship News
Ice Cream Social: Don't forget to save room for ice cream after the 5:30 PM Mass on Saturday, September 9! Stop by the social hall for a refreshing treat and fellowship with other parish families. A great time to make new friends!
Save the Date: On Saturday, October 21, the Social Fellowship Committee will be hosting another Comedy Night in the parish social hall. Three comedians will be on hand, along with great food and fun. Invite some friends and get a table for a fun evening! Watch the bulletin for information about ticket sales.
Pastoral Outreach News
School Supplies Collection: Thank you to all who donated school items for this weekend’s collection. Many young people will benefit from your generosity! Items are being shared with the Lord's Pantry of Downingtown and St. Agnes Day Room of West Chester. Thanks for your generosity.
Casserole Program: Each month, parish families and individuals make casseroles for the clients of St. John’s Hospice. Your donations help to feed a hot meal to hundreds of people each day. The next collection is on the weekend of September 9-10. You can also bring casseroles to the parish office between 8:30 AM-4:30 PM on the Friday before the collection. For more info, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Youth Ministry News
For info about St. Elizabeth Parish Youth Ministry opportunities, contact Ryan Schwalm or follow us at St. Elizabeth Youth-Ministry on Facebook and @st.es_youthgroup on Instagram.
Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM)
CYO Cheerleading: Registration is open now through August 31 for boys and girls in grades 3 through 8. This is a two season sport running from September to March. Information is available at seamcyo.com.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, July 29-30, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $18,749.15
[Amount of Loose Cash: $976.22]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $10,389.50
Total Regular Collection: $29,138.65
Number of adult envelope contributions: 551
Auto-Giving: There are now 284 families participating in Auto-Giving to ensure a consistent financial support to the parish throughout the year. To receive an electronic copy of the authorization form, please contact Sam Venuti (
Special Collection: The annual appeal in support of Catholic University will be taken up at Mass next weekend. Please use one of the special collection envelopes available in the rear of the church for your donation. Thank you for your generous support!
Part-time Child Care Position
A parish family is looking for someone to look after a six-month old baby and do light housework on weekday mornings for a total of 16-20 hours a week. If interested, please call Carolina at 617–913-8453.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
RCIA Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Holy Day Masses: Tuesday (8/15), 7:30 AM; 12:00 Noon & 7:00 PM, church
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM CLC
CRHP-Women’s Team: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Finance Council: Tuesday (8/15), 8:00 PM, St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Men’s Team: Thursday (8/10), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Pre-Cana Team: Thursday (8/17), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
St. Elizabeth Fall Bible Study 2017
Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians,
1 & 2 Thessalonians
A 13 SESSION STUDY WITH DVD LECTURES
FROM LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE STUDY
In these letters of encouragement, correction, and instruction written from prison,
Paul lovingly inspires and challenges us to greater discipleship.
- Choose Tuesday mornings, 9:30 – 11:00 OR Tuesday evenings, 7:00 – 8:30.
- Runs September 12, 2017 through December 12, 2017
- Each session consists of small group prayer & discussion and DVD lecture.
- Cost: $15 for the study set (to be paid on the first session by cash or check
made payable to Saint Elizabeth Church) - Questions? Call Beth Riordan, Director of Religious Education at 610-646-
6545 or email: StElizAFF@gmail .com.
2 WAYS TO REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2017
PAYMENT DUE ON FIRST DAY OF CLASS
Checks for $15 made payable to: Saint Elizabeth Church or pay in cash
1. ONLINE REGISTRATION through Google Forms!!
www.bit.ly/LettersFromPrisonStE
2. Not a computer user?
Call Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545, you will be registered and an order for
the study set will be placed for you!
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, August 13, 2017
Update on the 2017-2020 Pastoral Plan
Back in the spring, the parish bulletin included a series of inserts (still available on the parish website) that reflected upon the Vision, Mission and Core Values of the 2017-2020 Pastoral Plan. The six core values characterize Saint Elizabeth as a parish community and guide all of us in living as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. They serve as a measuring rod for everything that we do and all that we strive to become as we live out Our Vision and Our Mission together.
In early May another parish bulletin insert identified a set of six pastoral goals that provide direction for the commitment of resources in personnel, facilities, time and money to existing and proposed parish activities. The six pastoral goals are:
Goal One: Become a more Engaging Parish - To be a faith-filled and inviting Catholic community that welcomes and engages all people wherever they are in their spiritual journey.
Goal Two: Expand Family Faith Formation Programs - To develop opportunities at all stages of family life that enrich relationships and bring Christ into our homes.
Goal Three: Strengthen Youth and Young Adult Faith Formation Programs - To offer relevant programs to nourish in youth and young adults a deeper personal relationship with Christ, their Catholic faith and the parish community.
Goal Four: Continue to Grow our Stewardship Identity - To increase participation and strengthen our commitment to live a stewardship way of life by sharing God's gifts of time, talent and treasure.
Goal Five: Enhance Parish Communications - To expand the use of communication and marketing programs and tools to reach more parishioners, promote parish activities and become a more informed and connected parish.
Goal Six: Encourage Leadership Development - To encourage leadership and develop relevant skills within our parish community, parish school and parish staff to live out our parish mission.
Throughout the summer months, three pastoral council work teams have been working to delineate a set of directional objectives for each of the six pastoral goals. These objectives are intended to shape the development of existing and future parish activities and programs to enrich the life and ministry of the parish community. The completed set of goals and objectives will be reviewed and finalized at the joint meeting of the pastoral, finance and stewardship councils on September 19, and will then be communicated to our current parish ministry groups and to parishioners at large. Look for additional updates about the pastoral goals & objectives in the parish bulletin in the early fall. You can find more detailed information about the 2017-2020 Pastoral Plan by going online to the home page of the parish website (stelizabethparish.org).